Quantcast
Skip to content
Communities
  • North Fork
    • Jamesport
    • Mattituck
    • Orient
    • Riverhead
    • Shelter Island
    • Southold
  • The Hamptons
    • Montauk
    • Quogue
    • Sag Harbor
    • Sagaponack
    • Southampton
    • Water Mill
    • Westhampton Beach
  • NYC
  • Palm Beach
  • Home Pros
  • Digital Editions
  • Dan’s Best of the Best
  • Contact Us
  • RegisterLogin
Dan’s Papers
  • Things to Do

    Events Calendar

    View and Post Events

    • Books & Authors
    • Concerts
    • Comedy
    • Fairs & Festivals
    • Film
    • Fitness & Outdoors
    • Galleries & Museums
    • Kids & Families
    • LGBTQ+
    • Nonprofits & Philanthropy
    • Pets & Animals
    • Seasonal & Holiday
    • Shopping
    • Theater

    Dan’s Events

    Visit Dan’s Taste

  • Arts & Culture
    • Artist Profiles
    • Books & Authors
    • Galleries & Museums
    • Performing Arts
    • Music, Film & TV
  • Food & Drink
    • Recipes
    • Restaurants
    • Bars, Breweries & Distilleries
    • Wine & Wineries
  • Celebrity News
  • Local News
    • Crime & Police
    • Politics
    • Health
    • Business
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Obituaries
  • Real Estate
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion & Style
    • Hotels & Inns
    • Kids & Family
    • Nonprofits & Philanthropy
    • Party & Event Photos
    • Wellness
    • Dan Rattiner’s Stories

→ Dan’s Taste Summer Series Presented by Wilmington Trust

Performing Arts

Grammy Award Winner Angélique Kidjo Performs at WHBPAC on August 7

By Christie Leigh Babirad
5 minute 08/03/2016 Share
Photo: Marie Zimmerman

Grammy award-winning singer Angélique Kidjo will showcase her exceptional musical talent at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (WHBPAC) on Sunday, August 7. She spoke with Dan’s Papers about her desire to promote a message of understanding and world peace. The Benin-born singer discussed her West African culture and the awareness she hopes to bring to people through her unique and beautiful music.

You just won a Grammy for Best World Music Album this past February at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. Can you tell us about what this award meant to you?
I was so surprised and proud, but I also felt that I’m just at the tip of the iceberg for African culture. There’s so much music coming from the continent that needs to be discovered in America. So in my speech I paid tribute to the musicians of my continent, and especially the young ones who are so creative. Winning this award was very important to me because I believe music is a powerful tool. I like that music allows me to be the voice of the voiceless. Music has allowed me to be free and fearless.

Where do you find inspiration?
It comes from traditional musicians from my country, and the traditional music from Benin. In Benin, traditional musicians don’t have mics, so they have to sing very loud, and very distinctly. Most of the music of the world has been influenced by African music, so it’s generally very simple for me to make foreign sounds my own. It just magically fits because the songs share the same African fingerprints.

Close

Get the Full Story

News, events, culture and more — delivered to you.
Thank you for subscribing!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

What are some aspects of West African culture that you’d like to share with our readers?
We have so much! People have no idea. For instance, the food in West Africa is amazing! Cooking is a passion of mine. I can cook for hours for friends. My friends from all over the world are all impressed with the great recipes, from gumbo to yassa (a dish with chicken, lemon and onions). When I wrote my memoir, Spirit Rising, I had to devote a section to share my favorite recipes. We also have amazing fabrics, amazing arts and myths. The Yoruba myths of creation are so rich. And West African music is really music of the Americas, and the world. It’s all about how you prevail. West African Music is the music of the survivor.

You’ve been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002. What do you enjoy about your work with UNICEF?
Being a UNICEF Ambassador has given me the opportunity to travel all over Africa and meet people from all walks of life. I always spend a lot of time listening to the women of the various countries. I’m trying to relay their message to the rest of the world, but I’m also very grateful for the inspiration they’re giving me. My main focus is girls’ education. I’ve advocated a lot for girls’ education, and I feel that now people are starting to realize how crucial it is for the future of Africa.

What have been some of the most memorable moments in your music career?
So many memories from all over the planet, but the most important element for me is the relationship with the audience. They’re the ones who give me the energy to keep on moving.

You’ll be at the WHBPAC on August 7. What are you looking forward to about performing there?
I’m looking forward to being on the water. I’m a sea girl. The sea is part of me. I don’t come often to Long Island, but the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center must be the place that I have visited the most on Long Island, for sure. I have great memories there. I love its warmth. It’s a small place, but the audience is very enthusiastic. I feel I’m part of the family now.

Angélique Kidjo performs at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main Street, on Sunday, August 7, at 8 p.m. For more info visit whbpac.org or call 631-288-1500.

  • Vetted Hamptons Resources

    Hamptons Classified 

    Access our trusted network of local professionals and browse employment opportunities in the Hamptons.
    Find a Home Pro Search Jobs
  • Most Recent Articles

    Dana Trotter, The Agency Hamptons

    Dana Trotter Marks 2 Years Leading The Agency Hamptons

    American Dream, homeownership, Hamptons

    The American Dream of Homeownership

    The Atlantic Team, Douglas Elliman, real estate, brokers

    The Atlantic Team at Douglas Elliman: A Winning Formula of Teamwork, Innovative Marketing and Expertise

    Andrew Vahab

    Former Dreyfoos Student Named Chair of School’s Executive Board

  • Things to do on the East End

    More local events

    Ride, Taste, Pick: A Wine Country Immersion

    East End Bike Tours
    Today, 10 am

    CELEBRATE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND AT THE HUB: PAWS FOR A CAUSE BENEFITING ARF HAMPTONS

    The HUB
    Today, 10 am

    “The Ark”: An Exhibition curated by Eric Fischl

    The Church
    Today, 11 am

    Untitled – Local Artist Show Water Mill Museum

    The Water Mill Museum
    Today, 11 am

    Hamptons JazzFest: The Piazzolla-Mulligan Project ft. Oscar Feldman

    Southampton Art Center
    Jul 12, 7 pm

    The Jackie Mason Musical

    southampton cultural center
    Jul 26, 7 pm
    Dan’s Papers

    The iconic mainstay of Long Island’s East End for over 60 years.

    Read Our Papers

    Digital Editions of Dan’s Papers are available online.
    Get our best stories right into your inbox. Subscribe
    Follow us
    © Dan’s Papers 2025 Schneps Media |
    Designed by Digital Silk
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

    Post an Event